Baby Blue Momhttps://babybluemom.com/Wed, 25 Apr 2018 21:02:04 +0000en-USSite-Server v6.0.0-19924-19924 (http://www.squarespace.com)For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter... a time to <br/>be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is <br/>planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a <br/>time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and <br/>a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones <br/>together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time <br/>to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a <br/>time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to <br/>speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for <br/>peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8what I read wednesday.ReadArticlesMotherhoodGina DavisWed, 25 Apr 2018 21:09:56 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/dHLobxIJqvs/what-i-read-wednesday55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:5ae0eccc575d1ffd0a86a0b0<p>On a weekly basis I read a wide amount of articles shared to me by friends, family and whatever I see on Facebook (embarassed to admit that one). I wanted to start sharing some of the articles and posts I have read with you all. Please feel free to message me any good articles you come across as well.</p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1524690451568-535N10075X7HODCBSMON/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kBIkQ6BpXxi_9dtfIasthhVZw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZUJFbgE-7XRK3dMEBRBhUpzSaLj8w0YDPn2WHB8GJ_LztSXmqlyOsVSt0NebUuTxNFM_pkrYYVyX5hyB9gpLD9Y/coffee-3043424_1920.jpg" data-image-dimensions="500x333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="coffee-3043424_1920.jpg" data-load="false" data-image-id="5ae0ede3352f53223e1e5081" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1524690451568-535N10075X7HODCBSMON/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kBIkQ6BpXxi_9dtfIasthhVZw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZUJFbgE-7XRK3dMEBRBhUpzSaLj8w0YDPn2WHB8GJ_LztSXmqlyOsVSt0NebUuTxNFM_pkrYYVyX5hyB9gpLD9Y/coffee-3043424_1920.jpg?format=1000w" />
<p> </p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.mother.ly/weve-seen-tully-and-weve-got-some-real-concerns">T</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.mother.ly/weve-seen-tully-and-weve-got-some-real-concerns">ully Movie</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://beckythompson.com/2018/04/24/what-moms-were-thinking-when-kate-stepped-out-with-baby-number-3/">P</a><a target="_blank" href="http://beckythompson.com/2018/04/24/what-moms-were-thinking-when-kate-stepped-out-with-baby-number-3/">rincess Kate's 3rd Baby</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.redstate.com/kiradavis/2018/04/18/californias-new-sex-ed-curriculum-roll-out...what-need-know/">S</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.redstate.com/kiradavis/2018/04/18/californias-new-sex-ed-curriculum-roll-out...what-need-know/">ex Education AB 329</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ktvu.com/news/womans-body-found-at-napa-elementary-school">N</a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ktvu.com/news/womans-body-found-at-napa-elementary-school">apa Mom Suffered PPD</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/about-alfie-evans-britain-euthanasia/">A</a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/about-alfie-evans-britain-euthanasia/">lfie Evans Health Case</a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/dHLobxIJqvs" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>https://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2018/4/25/what-i-read-wednesdayA Final Farewell to Postpartum DepressionHealthMotherhoodPostpartum DepressionGina DavisWed, 21 Mar 2018 17:14:58 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/-yQcJ2qDxgE/a-final-farewell-to-postpartum-depression55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:5aaff3c92b6a28d1b4143797<p>Today I took off my last bandages from my surgery and breathed both a sigh of relief and of saddness. This decision took me a few months to finalize and knowing that I am forever done holding a newborn of my own was not an easy pill to swallow. I have heard so many opinions over the years as to why this decision should not be made or taken lightly, but the alternative was far more frightening to me.</p><p>Postpartum depression is something I never thought I would struggle with (having never dealt with depression prior to my childbearing years). The thoughts that consumed my mind bring me to tears and the possibility of ever going through it again was too hard to bear for me.&nbsp;</p><p>I am a year away from my thirties and have had three healthy pregnancies and babies. From a medical prespective I am an ideal candidate to give birth to healthy babies due to never having any complications. And as much as this makes me happy, I also feel guilty that unlike myself I have so many friends struggling with infertility, loss of an infant, or miscarriages. My hope is that although my season of childbearing is over I can now have the time, energy, and emotional capacity to better come alongside my friends (old and new) to love on them and pray for them in ways I was unable to before.&nbsp;</p><p>I know at this point what some of you may be thinking:&nbsp;Why didn't your husband just get a vasechtomy?&nbsp;We tried. He wasn't a candidate. End of story.&nbsp;</p><p>In fact my husband came home from going on a walk with our youngest the other day and told me how he was getting teary-eyed thinking about the fact that this is our last biological child together. It was a reminder to soak up the good and the bad, the sleepless nights and the endless teething, becuase one day our kids will be out and about on a skateboard rather than begging to be sitting on our laps.&nbsp;</p><p>This decision was really a decision to put an end to my postpartum depression. I have been off meds for a few months now and besides the emotional changes I go through when the seasons change, (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.babybluemom.com/the-blog/2015/7/30/fall-full-of-fears">See post Here</a>) I've been feeling great. I am not going to be naive and say depression cannot ever effect me again in the future, but I am more hopeful. In the years to come I hope that we can bring the joy of life into our house again in the form of adoption or foster care,&nbsp;but for now I am thankful for the three little boys God has entrusted us with. My three tiny marks are now a reminder on my body of the remarkable gift of life and how each child brought me down a road that brought me to where I am today and has helped shape me into who I am today.&nbsp;</p><p>If you are struggling with any form of depression and anxiety know you don't have to get your tubes removed like I did. I am not saying this is for everyone, it was a decision for me.&nbsp;But know that you do not have to go through your journey alone.</p><p>Ask for help. Find a friend who can listen to you. Go outside. Practice self-care. What you are going through is harder to overcome when you are alone. Message me if you want to talk.</p><p>Thanks for letting me open up and be vulnerbable with this decision I made. It may or may not seem like a big deal to anyone else, but for me it marked a closing of one door and an opening of many others.&nbsp;</p><p>Farewell Postpartum depression, you sucked!</p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1521581953782-VAIF8V0N7GRVRV6O4UB8/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMAGE.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMAGE.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="5ab17f6f03ce6427a0b3436e" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1521581953782-VAIF8V0N7GRVRV6O4UB8/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMAGE.JPG?format=1000w" />
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1521581962244-BCXOIW6IIARI8VRZ55E3/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMAGE.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="Instead of a “push present” I got a “sterilization present.”&amp;nbsp;" data-load="false" data-image-id="5ab17f7e1ae6cf59d74d7d98" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1521581962244-BCXOIW6IIARI8VRZ55E3/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMAGE.JPG?format=1000w" />
<p>Instead of a “push present” I got a “sterilization present.”&nbsp;</p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1521581974972-N4UHOV215ACE53FXZT8J/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kGalivP0gwHmntCMYYZVzBh7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0plef_PmwB6-3GP4qDbCUv92Du-NGmLJS6rLFW6lohgQsEYPYfZxA8yfoVIIuDP8kQ/IMAGE.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x1878" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMAGE.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="5ab17f8faa4a99242f1ca228" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1521581974972-N4UHOV215ACE53FXZT8J/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kGalivP0gwHmntCMYYZVzBh7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0plef_PmwB6-3GP4qDbCUv92Du-NGmLJS6rLFW6lohgQsEYPYfZxA8yfoVIIuDP8kQ/IMAGE.JPG?format=1000w" />
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1521581998467-R5XKNQPZXNZXLMTBZVXD/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kFwoy4BAjjS-6Rl5KP_qkW57gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UUDsAs_BVpOWG3v6u9LlCn4ZfpEdLc7xsHa6Kpu32ChE3EdblWqHU_s6Wa6WjUIrhA/IMG_0240.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2094x3724" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_0240.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="5ab17fa61ae6cf59d74d88a1" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1521581998467-R5XKNQPZXNZXLMTBZVXD/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kFwoy4BAjjS-6Rl5KP_qkW57gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UUDsAs_BVpOWG3v6u9LlCn4ZfpEdLc7xsHa6Kpu32ChE3EdblWqHU_s6Wa6WjUIrhA/IMG_0240.JPG?format=1000w" /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/-yQcJ2qDxgE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>https://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2018/3/19/a-final-farewell-to-postpartum-depressionbaby on a plane, a summary.MotherhoodParenthoodGina DavisTue, 23 Jan 2018 04:04:54 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/ucayEe4o6-M/baby-on-a-plane-a-summary55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:5a66b2d70d92971bebcd62e7<p>You wake up early and pack every snack you own into the diaper bag. Pack plastic bags for the messy diaper you know is going to happen on the flight and jump in the car. Your car ride is full of screams because you booked your trip to be a little after naptime because you dont want to be that mom on the plane with the crying child. You get to the airport and the Southwest lady wants to see proof of age for your child who clearly is under 1 years old and you search through all of the snacks for a immunization record or something for proof that your diaper-wearing, babbling, and non-walking child is not a toddler. You go cheap on the flight and choose to have a lap baby and need to put their car seat under with baggage but forget to tell your husband to get a palstic bag to protect the car seat with. $15 later Southwest helps you out and gives you a nice big blue cheap cover to ensure the "safety" of the car seat.&nbsp;</p><p>You're doing good on time and you feel like you got this in the bag. Here comes security checks. You smile at the lady who puts her germ-infested hands all over your babies sippy cup &nbsp;top and then hollers for you to "move along lady, there is a line here". You listen and hurry up &nbsp;with your baby in tow in the carrier to get checked for possible bomb powder on your hands. Now it is time to get all of your carry-ons and infected sippy cup all the while trying to help your husband from getting his brand new laptop smashed by on-coming luggages.&nbsp;</p><p>The end is in sight. You see your gate and head on over and do a quick diaper change.You would go to the bathroom yourself but it's almost impossible to pee with a baby strapped to your chest. Good thing you get to go with family boarding because you checked in way too late and are in C class. Your baby is getting wrestless due to it being way past naptime, but you planned this all out perfectly so don't fret. Family boarding is a breeze minus the two families who purposefully cut you off because they clearly coudln't see or hear you in line before them. You let it pass because as a fellow parent you kow you are all just trying to survive at this point.&nbsp;</p><p>Your baby gets a cold perfectly in time to meet family which sucks but on the upside you get a whole row to just you and your family. Thank you runny nose. Thank goodness for the carrier also because baby is just starting to fall asleep. Good thing you planned out the nap this way. Captain is on the loud speaker now and boy is it loud. His 9am coffee must be kicking in. You figure you are in the clear because your baby should sleep for the entire 45 min quick trip up north.</p><p>Here comes the stewardess who kindly tells you that you need to unstrap your baby from your carrier for departure. Wait! You mean the baby you just go to sleep for the flight? Yes, that baby. It obviously makes perfect sense and safer to unstrap the baby from your carrier so that in case of turbulence your baby while now have literally no way of being restrained and safe. Too bad they make flights so expensive or you could have had baby in their car seat on the flight.&nbsp;</p><p>Thankfully, your baby doesn't wake up despite the unnecessary carrier needing to be removed. All is well and you are soon to nana's house. Oh wait, you hear sceaming. This is a loud scream but it's not your baby. Nope, it is another mom who's two year old wants something. The screaming does not stop. And now there are more than 5 babies screaming. Good thing your baby is exhausted and passed out. But the anxiety of a screaming baby fills up inside of you. Why didn't you pack lollipops? If only you brought the older boys bag with you then you would have had a lollipop to give the mom who won't give her child the snack they are begging for. Why can't that mom just give her child the snack? Think of all of us who's hears are figuartively and literally popping. Too late now, your baby is awake. Thankfully, the screaming helped the time pass and soon you are landing. Time to wake up your husband who had a nice nap on the flight, good thing he can sleep through anything.&nbsp;</p><p>Thank you for choosing Southwest and welcome to Sacramento!</p><p>(jokes aside, we had a great trip up north to see family. My mom kindly kept the older two boys for us so the trip went smoother than normal but gosh travelling takes a whole lot of patience.)</p>
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<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1516680232432-KC1JQ0UARL0XDZTY0WJW/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kJ9Vf5x0a7V4oPpXjx7dc1N7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UaX5h46DTa2zhpD2S4dCqlGPZmkhkBVHbtbQ1eKMXMLsDypYv5Z9qB9WFs-NjPCfmw/IMAGE.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2320x3088" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMAGE.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a66b41ff9619a21f77bf181" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1516680232432-KC1JQ0UARL0XDZTY0WJW/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kJ9Vf5x0a7V4oPpXjx7dc1N7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UaX5h46DTa2zhpD2S4dCqlGPZmkhkBVHbtbQ1eKMXMLsDypYv5Z9qB9WFs-NjPCfmw/IMAGE.JPG?format=1000w" />
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1516680248926-X6O9MC78NY88UWHZ8QWQ/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kJ9Vf5x0a7V4oPpXjx7dc1N7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UaX5h46DTa2zhpD2S4dCqlGPZmkhkBVHbtbQ1eKMXMLsDypYv5Z9qB9WFs-NjPCfmw/IMAGE.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2320x3088" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMAGE.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a66b4340d92971bebcdc00e" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1516680248926-X6O9MC78NY88UWHZ8QWQ/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kJ9Vf5x0a7V4oPpXjx7dc1N7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UaX5h46DTa2zhpD2S4dCqlGPZmkhkBVHbtbQ1eKMXMLsDypYv5Z9qB9WFs-NjPCfmw/IMAGE.JPG?format=1000w" />
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1516680370385-BEN0SOF79H3LRXQOOOOP/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMAGE.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMAGE.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a66b4abe2c48352fcc6d3ee" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1516680370385-BEN0SOF79H3LRXQOOOOP/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMAGE.JPG?format=1000w" /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/ucayEe4o6-M" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>https://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2018/1/22/baby-on-a-plane-a-summaryDry Spells.MotherhoodFamilyDecisionsGina DavisSat, 30 Dec 2017 21:52:30 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/T9Cru7goQTo/dry-spells55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:5a46ca6653450a63fe27c4c7<p>For quite a few months I have not written or shared much on motherhood and as a result there has been a dry spell here on the blog. The problem is that I have not had much to say. I am at a point in motherhood where I am trying to figure a lot out. Whenever I think " I got it" in regards to child-rearing my kids throw me a curve-ball and change in some way. I suppose it will be like this for a while since my kids are always changing and are each growing in their own individual ways.</p><p>Many days I am at a loss as to what to do and how to best raise my boys. Despite all the books, blogs, and advice I receive I still I feel like I am a referee, chef, house cleaner, doctor, coach, teacher, disciplinarian, and babysitter all at one time. Each boy has their own needs and whether it be a meal, a sickness, or a change in clothing size my days are starting to blur together. The OCD/ schedule-lover likes the monotonous life I live where I can to some degree expect what each day will look like. I am a control freak (and will be the first to admit that)&nbsp;at times and being able to decide what we do each day keeps my nerves at ease. At the same time, I sometimes stare outside or look on Instagram and long to have some spontaneity in my life. I wonder what it would be like to throw our normal routine out the window and just drive somewhere because we can. The struggle is real and as much as I try not to fantasize what my life could be life it is so easy to wonder what it could be like if I was more of a free spirit. I&nbsp; am content with life right now (and have much to be thankful for) but at the same time I am up for a change in our day to day routine.</p><p>There is a quote from the show The Crown (a series on Netflix) where Queen Elizabeth II states " That's the thing about unhappiness. All it takes is for something worse to come along and you realize it&nbsp; was happiness afterall. " After dealing with PPD for the second time I now know what it is to be happy. I have had days that were very low and now I can embrace and love the days that are no longer filled with the worries, fear, and anxiety that can come with postpartum depression. 2017 was full of change. Change and me don't mesh well. But I can see how God has used all of the change in our lives this past year to cause me to trust more in Him and to see more clearly how my ways are not my own.&nbsp;</p><p>If you would like to share a little bit about your journey through motherhood, a birth story, reflection, book review, and/or want a space to share what is going on in your life please contact me @ ginazdavis@gmail.com and submit a post. This space has been very instrumental for my own life and I hope it can be a place for you to have a voice too. Thank you so much for listening to my ramblings and for sticking around.&nbsp;</p><p>***If you did not know already, there is a private mom Facebook group for the blog called <strong>Baby Blue Mom Group</strong>. This group of moms are some of the most encouraging, kind, and loving women I know. If you would like to join please find us.</p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1514670689463-RGTJ7ZYVT1W0UN73C09Y/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_8632.JPEG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_8632.JPEG" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a480a580d92977993f16024" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1514670689463-RGTJ7ZYVT1W0UN73C09Y/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_8632.JPEG?format=1000w" />
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1514670700335-CZZ8MAP1H5OOWPQHZXJ1/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMAGE.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMAGE.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a480a650d92977993f161c6" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1514670700335-CZZ8MAP1H5OOWPQHZXJ1/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMAGE.JPG?format=1000w" />
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1514670715295-OGLPT30XMXWD08VBNIWN/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMAGE.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="December was filled with sickness at our house. " data-load="false" data-image-id="5a480a740d92977993f163e8" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1514670715295-OGLPT30XMXWD08VBNIWN/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMAGE.JPG?format=1000w" />
<p>December was filled with sickness at our house. </p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1514670741903-6GTGRV4CP64T3CA2VN0X/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kGNkKjeEUqqaFYbs5FKkWFAUqsxRUqqbr1mOJYKfIPR7LoDQ9mXPOjoJoqy81S2I8PaoYXhp6HxIwZIk7-Mi3Tsic-L2IOPH3Dwrhl-Ne3Z2_h8UD-zgUXq4mX56R54TSbdIWd-50OaTvTzse1OlDQFbTvJybZOtvbWRiFosmN10/IMG_8100.JPG" data-image-dimensions="750x1334" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_8100.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a480a95ec212ddd08cf4bdb" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1514670741903-6GTGRV4CP64T3CA2VN0X/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kGNkKjeEUqqaFYbs5FKkWFAUqsxRUqqbr1mOJYKfIPR7LoDQ9mXPOjoJoqy81S2I8PaoYXhp6HxIwZIk7-Mi3Tsic-L2IOPH3Dwrhl-Ne3Z2_h8UD-zgUXq4mX56R54TSbdIWd-50OaTvTzse1OlDQFbTvJybZOtvbWRiFosmN10/IMG_8100.JPG?format=1000w" /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/T9Cru7goQTo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Dry Spells.https://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2017/12/29/dry-spellspersonalizing our home with minted.SponsoredHomeGina DavisMon, 11 Dec 2017 05:49:32 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/grYJEXNaxQs/personalizing-our-home55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:5a2e1249e2c483bdd9062383<p><em>*I received this amazing print in exchange for my honest review. All content and opinions are my own. This post also may contain affiliate links which helps make this blog possible. Thanks for supporting the companies we love.&nbsp;</em></p><p>One of the things I am quickly learning about being a home owner is that personalizing your home takes time. Nick and I have similar tastes when it comes to decorating but we do have to make compromises here and there. I have been focusing on our main living area first since that is where we spend most of our times with our family and friends.&nbsp;</p><p>Although neither of us are San Diego natives, our kids are and we have also decided to plant roots here in this beautiful place we call home. We still had a lot of decorations from our previous home but after looking at what we had I could tell that we needed some new updated conversation pieces for our new place. A few months ago we purchased a new coffee table, couch, and pillows but other than that our living room has not received much love. My best friend is an interior decorator and she brought it to my attention that some artwork would really do well in the space. I really want to save for some long white linen curtains, new flooring (think a white washed hardwood), stain the fireplace, and new fixtures, especially the entryway chandalier. With Christmas and my birthday coming up I am hoping to find some good sales on items that will be timeless and update our 1983 home.&nbsp;</p><p>When it came time to finally decide on some art work for our living room &nbsp;I knew I wanted something that was 1. artistic 2. supported an artist and 3. represented who we are. I didn't just want anything thrown on our walls and like most of the decor in our home everything usually has meaning and a story behind it. Thankfully our friends at <a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1101273&amp;u=1655873&amp;m=17025&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=">Minted </a>had so many options that both Nick and I loved, it made deciding hard, but in a good way.&nbsp;</p><p>I was so impressed with the variety of art work that <a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1101273&amp;u=1655873&amp;m=17025&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=">Minted</a> had and honestly before a few months ago I had never even thought of using <a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1101273&amp;u=1655873&amp;m=17025&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=">Minted</a> for decorating and art. I knew we wanted something neutral colored so that if we ever want to change up the living room a little bit we can still keep most of our wall pieces. Minted had 15 different frames to choose from and we went with the white washed chevron which perfectly complimented the foil pressed look of San Diego. &nbsp;Our living room only has two windows so I wanted a piece of art that was bright and unique. This picture of San Diego is perfect for entry way because it is one of the first pieces our guests will see when they enter our doors. I love how it is a conversation piece and friends or family &nbsp;who are not from San Diego may ask us what the Picture is and it gives us a perfect opportunity to talk about the places we love.&nbsp;</p><p>Since I have 3 boys who keep me busy I only order things online now a days. My <a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1101273&amp;u=1655873&amp;m=17025&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=">Minted</a> order came in within days and the boys were equally excited as I to see our package on our door step. We need to make sure we leave some Gatorade and cookies out for our UPS guy because i rarely ever shop for anything and get most things delivered (plus it’s always cheaper buying online). Have you ever bought artwork online? What do you look for when buying decorative pieces for your home? I look forward to using <a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1101273&amp;u=1655873&amp;m=17025&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=">Minted</a> again as we continue to decorate our new space and give it our own personal touches.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>If you are in the market for some art from independent artists than check out the selection at Minted. I love how I can support an artist, decorate my home from couch, and have a unique piece from my home all at one time. The artist who made our beautiful San Diego foil pressed artwork also does other cities so be sure to find yours and share it with me. I am also taking open to any design tips you may have since I have lots left to do on our new home. After we finish the living room I would like to work next on the dining room and kitchen. Our home will be a never-ending project but I consider it all fun stuff to put on my to-do list.&nbsp;</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/grYJEXNaxQs" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>https://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2017/12/10/personalizing-our-homeGuest Post by Kerrie DeBerryChristianityFamilyFaithBlue MomMon, 04 Dec 2017 04:32:57 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/3_F8VNshrt8/guest-post-by-kerrie-deberry55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:5a24ce549140b76b2c7fc781<blockquote><p>Yesterday at church as my husband was doing announcements before preaching, I came up from the nursery to see my 3 year old at the pulpit by his leg. He handled it well and she came back to me in the pew, while I grinned as the entire church watched this all play out. Now, how would I have responded to my 3 year old at home WITHOUT 200 eyes looking at me? Is there a gap between how I respond to things in private vs. public? If someone was a fly on the wall of my home what would they observe? Of course we are all different to a degree in the comfort of our own homes. I wear things at home I am not going to parade around church in, I have inside jokes &amp; teasing, playful things with my husband I will not share around others. We have family quirks just for us, not for the world to see. This is not what I mean. When evaluating this area of my life in a healthy way, I am referring more to my heart, my spirit, how I am relating to God. How do I speak to my kids when giving general directions or when correcting? How do I respond when the clothes I just spent 30 min folding are thrown around the floor? In our home, how do I speak about other people not present? How do I speak to my husband? How do I use my time, my energy? How do I use my phone? Is what I post indicative of reality or making myself look good, showing my good works before men? Or is it a healthy, truthful representation of my life, my kids, and authentic? And is my phone or something else making me far less present with my family or am I exercising wisdom with my time?</p><p>Our life in private and the thousands of decisions we make when no one is looking will eventually spill over. Charles Spurgeon said, "Sincerity makes the very least person to be of more value than a talented hypocrite." And when there is too big a gap between our private &amp; public life do we run to fix it or try harder or fake it better? No, we cannot attempt to touch ourselves up and make ourselves something other than we really are. Instead, we need to first run to Christ, the one who takes us as we are but promises not to leave us as we are. He has sent his Spirit on a mission to change every part of us, in every context of our lives. So as we depend on the Holy Spirit's power instead of our own ability to patch up our morality we slowly but surely become authentically Christian in private and in public.</p><p>If we are united to Christ, the Holy Spirit is cleaning us from the inside out, making us more Christ-like. So when we are hypocrites, when we are harsh with our kids, when we do things that make us feel the weight of our sin, we run to him for forgiveness and grace. He's lived each day perfectly on our behalf-in private and public. And then by his Spirit's grace and power we strive to close that gap between public and private a little more each day, knowing he is with us as we do so.&nbsp;</p></blockquote>
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<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1512361943379-STO3I88JQ18LFP4P4QC4/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kFyD7pzB8zoMIVY5aiUuFlp7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0jG2lbcDYBOeMi4OFSYem8DMb5PTLoEDdB05UqhYu-xbnSznFxIRsaAU-3g5IaylIg/KD.jpg" data-image-dimensions="2500x1669" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="KD.jpg" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a24cfcf8165f5067713209e" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1512361943379-STO3I88JQ18LFP4P4QC4/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kFyD7pzB8zoMIVY5aiUuFlp7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0jG2lbcDYBOeMi4OFSYem8DMb5PTLoEDdB05UqhYu-xbnSznFxIRsaAU-3g5IaylIg/KD.jpg?format=1000w" /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/3_F8VNshrt8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Guest Post by Kerrie DeBerryhttps://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2017/12/3/guest-post-by-kerrie-deberrySeven years.Date NightsmarriageWifeHolidaysGina DavisWed, 29 Nov 2017 22:08:46 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/UugekwTxahY/seven-years55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:5a1f301071c10b41b56eaf74<p>November 26, 2010, Nick and I became one. I was 21 at the time and Pinterest was not even out yet. (Thank goodness.)&nbsp;In seven years we have experienced some of the best and hardest days of my life and it's crazy to think that we have technically “grown up” together as far as maturity (or "adulting") goes.&nbsp;</p><p>I didn’t know it then, but surprisingly our life together is very much what I imagined it was going to be like. God has been so faithful to us and I can still say to this day that marrying Nick was easily the best and easiest decision I’ve ever made.</p><h2><strong>Here are seven things I have learned so far about being married:&nbsp;</strong></h2><p><em>1. Saying sorry is always better than being right.</em></p><p><em>2. Unspoken expectations can damage a relationships growth,&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>3. Dating your spouse after marriage is as crucial, if not more, then before you were married.&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>4. Roles in the house will change with each added child. &nbsp;</em></p><p><em>5. We are husband and wife, first, and then mom and dad, second.&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>6. Communication. Communication. Communication.&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>7. Pray for your marriage. &nbsp;</em></p><p>Nick and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary with a day away exploring beautiful San Diego all over again. (Without our kids, of course.) Our anniversary is sandwiched between Thanksgiving and our middle's birthday so we tried to keep it simple.</p><p>Good food, good company and good drink.</p><p>We are planning a little tropical vacation in a few months with some saved up mileage points so that is something where we can look forward to some more extended time together.</p><p>I love you Babe and thanks for editing this post for me. You are and always will be my best friend and my better half.&nbsp;</p>
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<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1511993348292-RN7MW2XE8OI9KOAR09K7/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kHMOTb4jkWFqms1YtaWRCaRZw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZamWLI2zvYWH8K3-s_4yszcp2ryTI0HqTOaaUohrI8PI46J1zg-_hKM47UlyHC0CvCl3egK6TA3eK_P0by3RTTEKMshLAGzx4R3EDFOm1kBS/FullSizeRender.jpg" data-image-dimensions="750x855" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="FullSizeRender.jpg" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a1f3003e2c483cbdb648996" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1511993348292-RN7MW2XE8OI9KOAR09K7/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kHMOTb4jkWFqms1YtaWRCaRZw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZamWLI2zvYWH8K3-s_4yszcp2ryTI0HqTOaaUohrI8PI46J1zg-_hKM47UlyHC0CvCl3egK6TA3eK_P0by3RTTEKMshLAGzx4R3EDFOm1kBS/FullSizeRender.jpg?format=1000w" /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/UugekwTxahY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Seven years.https://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2017/11/29/seven-yearsHouse Updates.OrganizeHomeGina DavisMon, 06 Nov 2017 17:55:38 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/PW1KNwUshD0/house-updates55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:59f8059ac83025d923a27a49<p>Those of you that know me know that I like things done yesterday. I am often impulsive with decisions and waiting has never been something I was good at. Of course, when you own a home from the 80's that needs some improvements nothing ever gets done quickly or finished without something going wrong. Our&nbsp; families schedule have been absolutely crazy so the updates on the house have therefore taken a back seat. Thankfully, our house was in good condition when we bought it and has already felt like home.&nbsp;</p><p>The boys LOVE our new backyard but if you were to ask them why they love their new house they would easily say "because the ice cream lady comes everyday."&nbsp;&nbsp;My favorite part of our new home is probably the playroom. It has been great to have a place to put all of the boys stuff and not have our living room look like Toys R Us 24/7. We have a huge piece of land in the back and even though the front yard has plants suitable for drought and the backyard was finished there is always something to be done on a given day. I am shocked at how much I have enjoyed the gardening but the hard part is finding the time to do it when I have my hands free.&nbsp;</p><p>We are so thankful to live in a nice neighborhood that is close to the freeway, stores, friends, and even church.&nbsp;</p><p>Updates Accomplished So far:</p><ul dir="ltr"><li>Painted kitchen cabinets</li><li>Bought a new coffee table and couch</li><li>Took out some plants and trees in the backyard that were not placed in proper areas</li><li>Organized the garage and storage</li><li>Replaced broken tub upstairs</li></ul><p>What's Next:</p><ul dir="ltr"><li>Tile the floor and paint upstairs bathroom</li><li>Replace the stair railings&nbsp;</li><li>Buy a new dining room set</li><li>Replace chandalier in stairwell and new ceiling fan in dining room</li><li>Change out door handles</li><li>Redo tiles on the fireplace</li><li>Remove window shutters from kitchen</li><li>Take out two trees in front yard</li><li>Put up curtains in master bedroom and living room</li></ul><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Some inspirational pics </p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1509951063362-IVPKHWG8PLPQ4HFSEAZQ/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kGNkKjeEUqqaFYbs5FKkWFAUqsxRUqqbr1mOJYKfIPR7LoDQ9mXPOjoJoqy81S2I8PaoYXhp6HxIwZIk7-Mi3Tsic-L2IOPH3Dwrhl-Ne3Z265fNHIP_bkdYAnHJSoHdlA9D8mxbY4iC6GrHqcRiVfwKMshLAGzx4R3EDFOm1kBS/IMG_6520.PNG" data-image-dimensions="750x1334" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_6520.PNG" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a00065553450a448c9e4fc5" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1509951063362-IVPKHWG8PLPQ4HFSEAZQ/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kGNkKjeEUqqaFYbs5FKkWFAUqsxRUqqbr1mOJYKfIPR7LoDQ9mXPOjoJoqy81S2I8PaoYXhp6HxIwZIk7-Mi3Tsic-L2IOPH3Dwrhl-Ne3Z265fNHIP_bkdYAnHJSoHdlA9D8mxbY4iC6GrHqcRiVfwKMshLAGzx4R3EDFOm1kBS/IMG_6520.PNG?format=1000w" />
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<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1509951160630-LT3OEBAELCRLO3P645OI/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_5328.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_5328.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a0006b40d929758ea298f4a" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1509951160630-LT3OEBAELCRLO3P645OI/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_5328.JPG?format=1000w" />
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1509990921867-Q5JX6BOU50PVCRQMCQE2/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMAGE.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMAGE.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a00a2019140b7acb46ea6af" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1509990921867-Q5JX6BOU50PVCRQMCQE2/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMAGE.JPG?format=1000w" /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/PW1KNwUshD0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>House Updates.https://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2017/10/30/house-updatesFailing at Your Expectations.kidsMotherhoodMomhouse wifeGina DavisThu, 02 Nov 2017 20:23:49 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/KDJQzLcO4fo/failing-at-your-expectations55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:59f7eff541920243fa0a6341<p>Ever since the day I found I was pregnant with our first son I always assumed that I would make an awesome mom. I even remember one of the first dates I ever went on with Nick where I told him my one dream in life was to be a mother. I told him it was one of the few things I knew I would be good at. Most things in life do not come easy to me, but when it came to taking care of kids I have always been a natural. So it was safe for me to assume that when the time came for me to have my own kids it would be something that would come easy for me. I quickly realized once my kids were born that 1. having your own kids is very different from watching someone else's and 2. there is so much responsibility that comes with raising little humans.</p><p>"Expectations ruin relationships" is a quote I heard in the past and seemed to stick with me. In life whenever I have been disappointed with my husband, friends, family, or kids it was because my expectations were not met. Recently, I have noticed I have a short temper and my patience is running on empty. In my mind, I try to blame-shift but really I am failing at my own expectations. I expect to always know how to correctly discipline my kids. I expect to know how to rightly balance my social, personal, and church life. I expect to be liked and loved by everyone. I expect to be listened to. I expect too much and then my expectations are not met. I expect to be this unrealistic super mom who can measure up to all the other moms I see but in the midst of it all I fail to see what I am doing well and right in the here-and-now.&nbsp;</p><p>Instead of having a heart that cries out to God and waives a surrender flag, I am finding myself asking God why don't I have the answers? Why are my kids not listening to me? Why aren't my hours spent reading parenting books working? Why are my recipes not coming out right? And the lists go on.</p><p>Jen Pollock Michel wrote in her book <em>Teach Us to Want,&nbsp;</em>"Struggle is the prerequisite to surrender." The struggle part has been happening for quite a few months now and finally I am at surrender.&nbsp;Failing at your own expectations only leads you down a road where you focus on what is not working instead of a road to surrender, asking for help, and becoming more thankful.&nbsp;</p><p>I will never be the mom I always dreamed of being if I set myself up failure from the start. I can't expect everyday to go as planned or prepare for every scenario. My kids are not going to obey me everyday and I can't take that personally. Their sinfulness is not mine, just like my sinfulness is not theirs. My desire for control will keep me from being the mother and wife I want to be if I don't surrender my inabilities and insecurities to the Lord. My worth and identity can't be found in what I can or cannot do, but rather in who I am already in Christ. Thankfully, I serve a God who will never fail and who has clearly laid out what I can expect from him in his Word and through his promises to me and my children.</p><p>Jen Pollock Michel goes on to say in her book:&nbsp;</p><figure >
<blockquote>
<span>&#147;</span>But the gospel moves us beyond getting stuck in the guilt and shame of our unholy desires. We can courageously own the truth about ourselves because of the sacrificial death of God’s son, Jesus; his innocence has been substituted for our guilt.<span>&#148;</span>
</blockquote>
</figure>
<p>Instead of walking in shame and guilt for what I am not, I want the desire of my heart to be that I am pleasing God. God asks for perfect obedience and trust. Knowing our sinfulness and inability to achieve this standard, God sent his Son to do what we could not. God gives us the perfect obedience he requires of us in Jesus.&nbsp;May we rest in the knowledge that Christ has accomplished God's perfect expectations on our behalf. We can't do anything to gain his love and approval, it is a free gift. That is love!!!</p><p><em>Are you failing at your own expectations? Do you wish you could live up to something that is an unattainable self? Be reminded of the truth and remember that God knows our deepest desires of who we want to be, both the good and the bad. And he gifts us with a more satisfying identity through his son, Jesus.</em></p><p> </p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1509450857844-QDBUJKPUHGYB8G0AR8EB/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMAGE.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="My nemesis...the playroom" data-load="false" data-image-id="59f8646464265fbaeba233d5" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1509450857844-QDBUJKPUHGYB8G0AR8EB/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMAGE.JPG?format=1000w" />
<p>My nemesis...the playroom</p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1509654205556-C1COKHQWAXE3XAYX036N/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kMXRibDYMhUiookWqwUxEZ97gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0luUmcNM2NMBIHLdYyXL-Jww_XBra4mrrAHD6FMA3bNKOBm5vyMDUBjVQdcIrt03OQ/DSC_0411.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3750" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="DSC_0411.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="59fb7eb1e4966b69071ddd76" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1509654205556-C1COKHQWAXE3XAYX036N/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kMXRibDYMhUiookWqwUxEZ97gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0luUmcNM2NMBIHLdYyXL-Jww_XBra4mrrAHD6FMA3bNKOBm5vyMDUBjVQdcIrt03OQ/DSC_0411.JPG?format=1000w" />
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1509450887112-IFKH402CN158V9O2GLPV/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMAGE.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="Poop emoji pumpkin was the special request from max." data-load="false" data-image-id="59f8648341920243fa1115bb" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1509450887112-IFKH402CN158V9O2GLPV/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMAGE.JPG?format=1000w" />
<p>Poop emoji pumpkin was the special request from max.</p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1509656061000-GYH94KCDWQ3ETD8SCW1O/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kLkXF2pIyv_F2eUT9F60jBl7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0iyqMbMesKd95J-X4EagrgU9L3Sa3U8cogeb0tjXbfawd0urKshkc5MgdBeJmALQKw/IMG_6145.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x1667" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_6145.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="59fb85f1e31d19be65131506" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1509656061000-GYH94KCDWQ3ETD8SCW1O/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kLkXF2pIyv_F2eUT9F60jBl7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0iyqMbMesKd95J-X4EagrgU9L3Sa3U8cogeb0tjXbfawd0urKshkc5MgdBeJmALQKw/IMG_6145.JPG?format=1000w" /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/KDJQzLcO4fo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Failing at Your Expectations.https://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2017/10/30/failing-at-your-expectationsGod Made All of Me (Book Review)ChristianityBook ReviewBody ImageGina DavisMon, 23 Oct 2017 15:40:39 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/DdV1M-H0lrk/god-made-all-of-me-book-review55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:59e7e1eed74cff29d0ab1d74<p>If you think your child is too young to start talking about protecting their bodies and naming body parts by name, you might want to think again.</p><p>Just like many topics in life, our kids are remarkable on picking things up very quickly and we can find ourselves surprised later in life how much they knew at a very early age. My parents never had "the talk" with me, but I knew about sex as young as 5-years-old. Thankfully, I have never been a victim of sexual abuse, but let's just say that high school and college were eye-opening, and shocking, to me with how low people view themselves and treat other people's bodies.</p><p>Justin and Lindsey Holcomb do an incredible job at simply and carefully laying out what it means to protect your body, what God has made our bodies for, and how we can use our words to keep us safe and aware of what others might try to do to our bodies. I read this book to my boys without flipping through the pages first and was pretty surprised at how engaged they were the entire time. My two older boys are 5 and almost 3 and they are at the "curious stage." They want to know everything and I couldn't think of a better time to explain to them important things related to the human body.</p><p>Many people believe that only young girls and woman are susceptible to sexual abuse, but actually 1 in 6 boys will also experience sexual abuse in their lifetime! Having boys, this statistic made me realize that I can't be naive to the fact that my boys need to know what is right and wrong behavior and how they can use their voice to 1)&nbsp;tell me and my husband if something happens and 2)&nbsp;that they can and should always say "No!" to unwanted sexual conduct.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://amzn.to/2zu4tkE"><em>God Made All of Me</em></a> teaches kids and adults the importance of naming each body part their actual name. Predators are very likely to use other words and not actually say "penis,"&nbsp;"vagina," "breasts,"&nbsp;etc. It is, therefore, important for us to use these terms at home so that they are not uncomfortable words but become second nature. The book also discusses who should be allowed to touch our bodies, when it is appropriate, and when it is necessary to say "No, please stop touching me!".&nbsp;</p><p>I am so thankful that there is a book out there hat is raw, simple, and straight to the point. If we do not teach our kids what God intends for the bodies he has made,&nbsp;then someone else will. I may not be able to stop or prevent harm from ever coming to my kids, but with books like this and prayer I can at least give them the tools they need to protect themselves.</p><p>I was listening in on the boys conversations recently and my oldest told our middle son, “Our penis is a private part and you can say 'No! Don’t touch me!'&nbsp;Don’t be afraid. God made our bodies.” Even when I think they aren’t paying attention to me, they are. :)&nbsp;</p><p>I HIGHLY recommend this book for parents of both boys and girls. Do not be afraid to be uncomfortable, but give your children the tools they need to respect their bodies and the bodies of others around them.&nbsp;</p><p>This book was given to me in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. &nbsp;</p>
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<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1508454150017-F5OE5N8SCCGEYK1ZC1LX/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_6516.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_6516.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="59e92f02e5dd5bd3642d33cf" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1508454150017-F5OE5N8SCCGEYK1ZC1LX/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_6516.JPG?format=1000w" /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/DdV1M-H0lrk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>God Made All of Me (Book Review)https://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2017/10/18/god-made-all-of-me-book-reviewGod's Very Good Idea (Book Review)Book ReviewChristianitykidsGina DavisFri, 13 Oct 2017 03:01:22 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/mdav2Xhq29c/gods-very-good-idea-book-review55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:59dd65ffb7411c13457394a4<p>Nick<em> loves</em> to read. When we had a fire evacuation a couple of years ago he asked to make sure his two suits (for preaching) and all of his books were safe from potential disaster. I never grew up with a love to read, but after being around my husband the love of reading has rubbed off on me.&nbsp;Inevitably we want not only to foster a love for reading in our boys but also a love for God and his words.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The children's book,&nbsp;<em>God's Very Good Idea,</em> by Trillia Newbell surprised me on how clearly it represented culture, sin, and the gospel. Trillia did an excellent job of describing the different types of people God has created, all in his own image, and then shows the effects that sin has on the world. She clearly shows how God chose to redeem us from sin and points readers, young and old, to Christ.&nbsp;<br /><br />My favorite quote from the book is:</p><figure >
<blockquote>
<span>&#147;</span>God made it. People Ruined it. He rescued it. He will finish it.<span>&#148;</span>
</blockquote>
</figure>
<p>I truly believe that this book would help adults better understand the gospel, and how from creation to redemption, God has created diversity and is redeeming diversity.</p><p>I originally wanted to read this to my boys because of how the book displays the many different kinds of people God creates. Tall, short, skinny, big, old, young, brown skin, light skin, etc. Exposure is the best way we can make sure our kids treat and love their neighbors as themselves,&nbsp;and by exposing my kids to all the beautiful different types of people God has created I can hopefully, by God's grace, instill in them a love for all people.</p><p>I highly recommend this book to not only kids but to the church in general. I always recommend that new believers read a Children's Bible, like I was told to do, because it clearly explains the Christian faith. This book explains God's design, plan, and the gospel story very simply.</p><p><em>This book was graciously given to me for free. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.</em></p>
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<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1507681785676-Q6PPTMWT411V0HX5FQTF/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_6426.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_6426.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="59dd65f2d7bdce34b0b87e4c" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1507681785676-Q6PPTMWT411V0HX5FQTF/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_6426.JPG?format=1000w" /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/mdav2Xhq29c" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>God's Very Good Idea (Book Review)https://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2017/10/10/gods-very-good-idea-book-reviewi breastfed both my babies...until I didn't.Blue MomTue, 03 Oct 2017 05:39:13 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/UZ2Yhfz9S1Y/i-breastfed-both-my-babiesuntil-i-didnt55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:59d32281e5dd5b2e94a8b88c<p><strong>By Rachel Crum</strong></p><p>I Breastfed Both My Babies...Until I Didn't: My breast and bottle feeding journeys</p><p>I never thought that I wouldn't be able to breastfeed. Everyone I knew was breastfeeding, except for one friend who hadn't been able to produce enough milk, and it wasn't something talked about in my Bradley Birthing class. I learned all about <em>how </em>to breastfeed, but nothing about what to do when breastfeeding was not working. I did, however, have a bunch of friends who had meant to have natural vaginal births, and wound up having c-sections, so I was much more concerned about how birth would go, and all the possible complications, than about everything that would come afterwards. </p><p>As it turned out, birth was easy for me, or, at least, easy in the sense that we had no complications, and I've now given birth vaginally twice with no meds and no interventions. The second time, I gave birth to a 10lb 3oz baby pretty simply. Everyone was amazed, and to be honest, I was amazed that my body could do one thing so naturally and simply, but couldn't manage the other: breastfeeding. </p><p>I'm thankful that I was able to give birth naturally, especially since I wasn't able to continue nursing either of my girls, and it serves as a constant reminder to me that not everything is as it seems, and just because one thing comes naturally, doesn't mean everything will. </p><p>With my first daughter, I experienced just about everything in the book. Pain while latching, bleeding, crying because I was feeding my daughter blood, crying because I couldn't stand the thought of feeding her again. I got clogs, a low grade fever, possible mastitis that wasn't ever diagnosed because my OB wouldn't see me, antibiotics, and middle of the night feverish, achy feedings. Finally, my nipple literally split open, and I had a lactation nurse come visit me, and give me things to try to heal it while I pumped for the next few weeks. Weeks and weeks went by and I wasn't healing, but pumping had created an oversupply so I was constantly fighting off clogs while in the midst of warming milk, feeding baby, pumping, washing bottles and pump parts. It was exhausting and nothing seemed like it was getting fixed or figured out. One side of me continued to be split open and oozing, and I couldn't wear a shirt or real bra, because it hurt so much. I missed my best friend's wedding in Canada thinking about traveling with the pain, and the pumping, and <em>everything </em>made me sob with panic. </p><p>Eventually, my OB suggested I try cutting way back on pumping to allow myself to heal, and I did and it worked! But I was discouraged that I had lost most of my supply. I finally remembered the lactation nurse had told me it seemed like my daughter had a lip tie, something my husband and I had never heard of, but in researching it, it turned out my daughter had <em>all </em>the symptoms. My husband still thought it was basically bogus, but in a last ditch effort to figure things out, we went to see someone about a revision. </p><p>Here's something I don't talk about much. At our appointment, the really nice doctor who did lip and tongue tie revisions for a living, walked us through everything, and finally, seeing all of my turmoil about doing the procedure and causing my baby pain, sat us down and asked me, "Do you want to keep breastfeeding?" And in 2.5 months of my baby's life, no one had asked me that, and I cried and told him "No." I wanted to sleep and maybe enjoy my baby's life, and not keeping trying and trying to figure something out that was sapping all my time and energy and worry and research. And he told me it was ok if I wanted to quit and my baby would turn out ok with formula, and even though I feel like most moms would be horrified that he said this, it was the first time someone gave me the freedom to just quit. To say, This isn't working and I hate it, and I want to try again next time. </p><p>So that's what I did. I gave up trying, and I slowly quit pumping, and for the first time, I relaxed enough to enjoy my newborn. It was so freeing.</p><p>But I wasn't totally free. I would always have a niggling feeling of guilt in the back of my mind. The question, "What if?" rattling around in there. I kept wondering. So when I was pregnant with my second child, I made a plan. I was prepared. I had all the equipment, phone number of a lactation consultant I had told about my history, and the conviction that I was going to try for two weeks before giving up. And as it turned out, plan and all, nothing worked. I saw a lactation consultant, we had my daughter's lip tie lasered, it still hurt, I was still crying, and I still split open. Except this time, I had a two year old to take care of, a husband back at work, and a move a few weeks away. So I quit again. </p><p>It's been over a year now, and I still feel a small amount of guilt, but I also feel peace. It's all mixed together. I feel frustrated that I couldn't fix it, and frustrated because by nature, I'm not a quitter, but I know both times I made a decision that allowed me to move forward and actually be a mom to my kids. It got me out of the crazy researching, buying all the products, trying every method mode and let me enjoy my baby (and spend some time with my toddler and pack my house). It was never an easy decision and I cried both times I stopped, but I have to trust that each time, I made the best decision I could, in the midst of the pain and the hormones and the anxiety. Each time is a new exercise in trustingthe Lord with my babies and my body.</p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1507009122454-ZMWCJTYI94GCUSF537D1/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kPmLlvCIXgndBxNq9fzeZb1Zw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZamWLI2zvYWH8K3-s_4yszcp2ryTI0HqTOaaUohrI8PIFMLRh9LbupWL4Bv1SDYZc4lRApws2Snwk0j_RSxbNHMKMshLAGzx4R3EDFOm1kBS/IMG_6255.JPG" data-image-dimensions="960x720" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_6255.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="59d322622278e74c1cd986db" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1507009122454-ZMWCJTYI94GCUSF537D1/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kPmLlvCIXgndBxNq9fzeZb1Zw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZamWLI2zvYWH8K3-s_4yszcp2ryTI0HqTOaaUohrI8PIFMLRh9LbupWL4Bv1SDYZc4lRApws2Snwk0j_RSxbNHMKMshLAGzx4R3EDFOm1kBS/IMG_6255.JPG?format=1000w" />
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1507009128837-0X2KTLFKEYJYMJ6HLZEH/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kIA0JzsRQfoELZc6D7wYr8B7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QHyNOqBUUEtDDsRWrJLTmmt9rVnoh5SsI9ugICaYdmXeojjQM53MH47RQwJRtItj2ePGm_OXm50AmYhY-hUjq/IMG_6256.JPG" data-image-dimensions="1152x2048" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_6256.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="59d32267c027d84feee25d44" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1507009128837-0X2KTLFKEYJYMJ6HLZEH/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kIA0JzsRQfoELZc6D7wYr8B7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QHyNOqBUUEtDDsRWrJLTmmt9rVnoh5SsI9ugICaYdmXeojjQM53MH47RQwJRtItj2ePGm_OXm50AmYhY-hUjq/IMG_6256.JPG?format=1000w" /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/UZ2Yhfz9S1Y" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>i breastfed both my babies...until I didn't.https://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2017/10/2/i-breastfed-both-my-babiesuntil-i-didntlife is like a circus.HolidaysFamilyMotherhoodGina DavisMon, 25 Sep 2017 02:27:49 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/LEyWgYFuvl0/life-is-like-a-circus55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:59c2d38be9bfdf30c3b23fbc<p>Well, it has been a while since I have had a second to sit down and write and even now life seems to be going 90 mph. Ever since we have moved into our new home we have had event, upon event, upon event and this is just the beginning. At times I can see my life acting out like a modern day circus.</p><p>Nick and I have been using every small spare minute to try to be intentional with one another because of all of the good chaos surrounding our lives right now. But I really wanted to take a few minutes and give you all a little life update.</p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>Home</strong></p><p>Our new house has been great. The boys have been adjusting well and Leo has even mastered climbing stairs (he just turned 6 months)!!! It seems like we daily have been adding to our house to-do list and I don't foresee that stopping anytime soon. So far we have painted our kitchen cabinets, replaced the upstairs bathtub, had our irrigation system checked out, cleaned 1/2 of the garage, bought a new couch, and started putting some decorations and pictures on the wall. In the next few weeks and months we hope to put long shelves underneath the stairwell for storage (baking and cooking appliances, etc.), get the home gym in the garage in place, tile the upstairs bathroom, reseed and prep the yard out back, and get some can lights and outside lights installed. At times the home repairs and updates take a toll on me but other times I am thankful that our family together can invest our time and energy into something we can all benefit from.&nbsp;</p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>School</strong></p><p>Calvin started transitional kindergarten two weeks ago and loves it. His teacher said he is very arrticulate and talkative and at times I feel like I should send him to school with an extra $20 for all the talking he must do all day to everyone there. When he is not in school I work on some kindergarten and Christian curriculum with him and Max at home (10-15 minutes a day). The saddest part about Calvin being in school 3 days a week is that Max has no idea what to do without his big brother all day. But rest assured once Calvin is back home they are back to wrestling, bickering, and playing together.</p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>Weddings</strong></p><p>I just hosted my middle sister, Michelle's, bridal shower this past weekend with my other sister Bianca and that was really fun. I thankfully had a lot of help from my best friend Allison and my mom which made the decorating and planning process go smoothly given all that is on my plate right now. In 4 weeks I have my baby sister Bianca's bridal shower so it is back to the Pinterest and planning boards for the next event ;)</p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>What's Next</strong></p><p>In the next few weeks I have Calvin's birthday, Michelle's bachelorette, Bianca's shower, Nick's 30th Birthday, Nick is in a wedding, our 7th wedding anniversary, Max's 3rd birthday, Thanksgiving, Michelle's Wedding, my Dad's 60th birthday, Nick's parents 40th wedding anniversary, Christmas, New Years' and then 6 more events. I wish life would slow down a little bit because I can feel my anxiety rise by the end of the day. I have a bad habit of making all my to-do's piled into one big check-off and cannot really separate each task. I have been listening to some awesome podcasts each day which has helped me remember to be present with my kids, my husband and with God.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Here's a photo dump of our circus life. Don't get me wrong though, life is crazy but the Lord has been faithful. &nbsp;</p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1506137503515-40DIAXEKEORO5PKOZP3A/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kNiEM88mrzHRsd1mQ3bxVct7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0s0XaMNjCqAzRibjnE_wBlkZ2axuMlPfqFLWy-3Tjp4nKScCHg1XF4aLsQJlo6oYbA/IMG_5442.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x2500" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_5442.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="59c5d599f9a61ebe2d918efc" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1506137503515-40DIAXEKEORO5PKOZP3A/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kNiEM88mrzHRsd1mQ3bxVct7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0s0XaMNjCqAzRibjnE_wBlkZ2axuMlPfqFLWy-3Tjp4nKScCHg1XF4aLsQJlo6oYbA/IMG_5442.JPG?format=1000w" />
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1506137527892-85PI4IDLIIHSZ3Q09B14/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_4807.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_4807.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="59c5d5b164b05f184caf9540" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1506137527892-85PI4IDLIIHSZ3Q09B14/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_4807.JPG?format=1000w" />
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1506137545345-Z5AA0LJ2SOXMKCVE6HUO/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_4800.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_4800.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="59c5d5c346c3c452e8292f3d" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1506137545345-Z5AA0LJ2SOXMKCVE6HUO/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_4800.JPG?format=1000w" />
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1506137563883-3IHUKDRZHASUR5WQPK78/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_4869.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="The aftermath of painting cupboards front and back side. " data-load="false" data-image-id="59c5d5d3f14aa1916ad08f49" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1506137563883-3IHUKDRZHASUR5WQPK78/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_4869.JPG?format=1000w" />
<p>The aftermath of painting cupboards front and back side. </p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1506137636829-L9CRCCJSU402JTBSCJX8/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kLR2rgEg1jPu1GtjV4K1vZ97gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0scl71iiVnMuLeEyTFSXT3qwhEKW1IfUKL5GUNLdDa9MjuPXcXiDenG_NSvE-2lGCg/IMG_5668.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3745" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_5668.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="59c5d6024c326d162b5d1ed5" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1506137636829-L9CRCCJSU402JTBSCJX8/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kLR2rgEg1jPu1GtjV4K1vZ97gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0scl71iiVnMuLeEyTFSXT3qwhEKW1IfUKL5GUNLdDa9MjuPXcXiDenG_NSvE-2lGCg/IMG_5668.JPG?format=1000w" />
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<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1506137773795-UUZTEJAGPSNYSY2JI4NS/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_5936.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_5936.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="59c5d6a6f7e0ab0971f963bb" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1506137773795-UUZTEJAGPSNYSY2JI4NS/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_5936.JPG?format=1000w" /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/LEyWgYFuvl0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>life is like a circus.https://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2017/9/20/life-is-like-a-circusCortney's Birth StoryBlue MomMon, 11 Sep 2017 03:51:59 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/mUz1q6arHAk/cortneys-birth-story55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:59b60149f7e0abec5d32c117<p><strong><em>Cortney was one of my roommates in college at SDSU (514 life) and was one of my sorority sisters as well. She is transparent, sweet, and smart and just welcomed her first son into the world with her husband Cody, please read her story below.</em></strong></p><p>You may think I'm being facetious when I say my son delivered himself. Well I'm not, and he sure did!</p><p>My pregnancy was really enjoyable for the most part. I had nausea on and off for about 4 weeks in the beginning but no vomiting. However the doctor did find something concerning - I was low in a certain protein produced in pregnancy which could be something but could be nothing. It could result in preterm labor, low birth weight, or a few others things she said and I now can't remember. My husband Cody had also changed jobs (and thus insurance) right after my 1st trimester so I actually missed my screening for Down's syndrome. This was definitely the most stressful part of my experience, wondering if my baby would be healthy. The doctor gave me the option to do advanced testing and screening, but I declined because nothing would change my mind in wanting this baby. I have tons of ultrasound pictures from all the growth scans, and my little guy kept growing strong and on target.</p><p>Fast forward to June 29th, 2017 at 11:45pm and I woke up with contractions. Earlier that day I was having Braxton-Hicks so I didn't think too much of it, but I couldn't go back to sleep because I was timing them just in case. I took a bath, painted my nails, bounced on my exercise ball, and watched tv. The contractions started getting down to 3-5 minutes so my husband called his job and to the hospital we went! We drove to the hospital <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2">around 8:30</a>/9am, and we later found out that just 30 minutes later a small plane had crashed onto a nearby freeway. Praise God for keeping us safe on that day! Unfortunately I was sent back home from the hospital because although my contractions were 3-5 minutes apart and only 2cm dilated - they were not coming in strong enough. Basically they were saying I wasn't in enough pain! They said to come back when my pain level was <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://4">10/10</a>... I was at about an 8. So we drove home, drove through somewhere to get lunch, and by the time we got home it just kept getting worse. I couldn't sit on my ball, lay down, certainly couldn't get into the bath, and all I could barely do is stand over the dining room table swaying back and forth. I could no longer talk through the contractions, and I wasn't even sure if I could make it back down the stairs to the car. I couldn't imagine it getting any worse so we made it back to the car and to the hospital. I was crying by the time we got to the OB ED, and thank goodness I had dilated to 4cm and was admitted.</p><p>Leading up to that day, I kept an open mind in terms of wanting pain medication or not. I quickly realized that I wanted the epidural and I'm so glad I did. My total labor was 21 hours and 17 of them were with no medication - I was ready for the meds!! So I was given the epidural, my anesthesiologist was amazing, and I was also given a small amount of pitocin because my labor was progressing very little. Also at one point they had to turn me because my little guy was clamping the cord. His heart rate had dropped a lot. Thankfully it improved and all was ok. At this point my water still had not broken so the nurse did it manually and did everything she could to get things moving along more. They rechecked me after a little while and I was fully dilated and ready to start pushing soon. It was <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://5">around 8pm</a> and my nurse and just Cody remained in the room with me. She let me know we were going to start pushing, and once I progressed to a certain point then she would call the OB who was on call that night. I forgot to mention I had been doing physical therapy for 5 weeks before this because of my low back pain but also to prepare for delivery. The things I learned really helped me to engage the right muscles and I actually did PT instead of traditional birthing classes.</p><p>I pushed for about 30 minutes then she asked me to stop so she could call the doctor to come deliver him. I stopped pushing, but probably 15 minutes later a very strong contraction came through and he was born onto the bed. No one caught him - I was like "um I think I feel something happening?" The nurse expected this whole process to take 2/1/2-3 hours since he was my first kid. She ended up calling the OB too late and was standing across the room when my son decided to make his grand entrance. Cody and the nurse both rushed over and said "he's out!" I lost a lot of blood but everything ended up being okay. She put the baby on my chest and did what she needed to do with me. The doctor and other nurses followed shortly and I had to lay down for a while before they wheeled me over to the mother baby unit - I had almost fainted from the blood loss. Cole was always very active in my belly and he really couldn't wait any longer to make his arrival!</p><p><strong>Stats for Cole Kingston:</strong></p><p>Born at 39 weeks</p><p>Weight: 8lbs 1 oz</p><p>Length: 21 inches</p><p>APGAR: 9</p><p><strong>My stats:</strong></p><p>Medications: prenatal vitamin &amp; vitamin D</p><p>Weight gained: 37lbs</p><p>Weight left to lose (at 9 weeks): 10lbs</p><p>Hospital stay: <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://7">Fri night-Sun morning</a></p><p>EBF (went to go see a lactation specialist after week 1... best decision!!)</p><p>Maternity leave: 6 months</p><p>Paternity leave: 3 weeks</p><p><strong>Favorites:</strong></p><p>-bonding/feeling him kick &amp; hiccup in my belly</p><p>-my Snoogle (pregnancy body pillow)</p><p>-the "glow"</p><p>-dreaming about baby &amp; future with Cody</p><p>-big boobs! ;)</p><p><strong>Least favorites:</strong></p><p>-varicose vein on my leg</p><p>-leg cramps</p><p>-the smell of roasted meat</p><p>-some heartburn</p><p>-skin super sensitive right under my bra</p><p>-fitting in barely any clothes the last 2 weeks before birth</p><p>-BF super painful for first 2 weeks</p><p> </p><p><em>Looking forward to the next one, God willing!</em></p>
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<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1505101887474-33ZJJDRCAA3WLABWE1BW/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_5729.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_5729.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="59b608379f7456da59beaa28" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1505101887474-33ZJJDRCAA3WLABWE1BW/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_5729.JPG?format=1000w" /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/mUz1q6arHAk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Cortney's Birth Storyhttps://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2017/9/10/cortneys-birth-storymegan steven's birth storyBirthGuest PostBlue MomThu, 24 Aug 2017 04:58:20 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/WM5hk4RElNI/megan-stevens-birth-story55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:599df168914e6b96d26ddc7a<p>&nbsp;I woke up at 40 weeks and 5 days STILL pregnant after several false alarms and prodromal labor all week. I dislike being pregnant and have a huge and heavy belly since I have big babies and I'm short so, trust me, I was terrible to be around! I was set to be induced at 41 weeks because I just knew I couldn't bear to go over as I had with my son. We had moved states 3 months earlier, so this was a hospital birth and I had no birth plan as opposed to my midwife and birth center birth plan! (I went backwards, I know!) I knew I could do it naturally but I was so tired and huge and just worn down after a move and an energetic 3 year old, that I said to myself if I needed an epidural, I would just do it and rest. Well, at 6:00pm I started having the same old contractions (after have my membranes stripped that morning at my doctor! Ouch.) but after an hour they started getting more intense. I had my parents take my son for a sleepover and started watching a movie with my husband while bouncing on the birth ball. By 8:30pm I knew it was real and told my husband at 9:30pm, I wanted to go in. So about 9:45pm, we got to L&amp;D and I was STILL 4 cm as I had been for a week but 90%. I was honestly discouraged thinking I would be sent home again and in pregnancy purgatory forever and that I would never know when I was actually in labor! I started to walk with my husband around the unit for 45 min or 17 laps (they told us it was a mile) and by the end I was unable to stand through the contractions and needed to start moaning . With the recheck I was 5 cm, 100% and I knew it was real. We checked in the room and I got antibiotics for GBS while bouncing on the ball. Things got intense from there and I told my husband maybe I wanted that epidural and he said ok, let’s try the water in the tub first. I headed there and hot water is medication to me! Then, I hit transition so much sooner than expected and told my husband that I felt faint and like I was going to puke. When I started saying "I can't do this, I feel like I'm going to die" my husband said he knew this was going way faster than our first labor. This only lasted 20-30 min and then I had the urge to poop and just then the nurses walked in to check on me because I had been moaning/screaming quite loudly.</p><p>My husband told them it was time and they half carried me to the bed. When they checked I was almost a 9! I was screaming for meds then and lost my cool a bit but it was too late. They did give me Nubian but it did NOTHING. The midwife got there and I was on my hands and knees trying to fight the same urge to push and after only a few contractions it was time. I pushed his head out pretty easily and then I felt his shoulder get stuck on my pubic bone and I became terrified of tearing upward. The midwife knew I was in a bad position and they literally flipped me over and told me I needed him out NOW and to stop loosing my mind. I actually felt so much better on my back and I regained my cool and pushed him out in one or two pushes. I soon realized she was in such a hurry because he was blue and not breathing. The handed him to the pediatric team and they kept stimulating him and his second APGAR was perfect but my husband said he has never been more terrified in his life. I was kinda unaware but just kept asking, where is my baby? Is he ok? I knew he wasn't placed immediately on me that something wasn't quite right. He ended up being perfectly healthy and HUGE, 9lbs 11oz birthed naturally with not a single tear! I felt amazing afterward and still feel great. The whole labor was only about 6 hrs with only 3 being terrible! Our son is fat and happy, eating and sleeping most of his first 2 weeks. And, I felt like superwoman. I love how proud my husband is/was of me and he just kept kissing my head and telling me thank you and good job. I’ll always treasure both our labors together. As all the nurses said, he was an amazing coach</p><p>The funny thing is I had a birth center birth and a baby who would not nurse (see my previous essay "not natural") and a hospital birth with no immediate skin to skin and a baby who LOVES to nurse (though we are working on a shallow latch issue). It's funny how different babies are!&nbsp;</p><p>We are so grateful for God's goodness (after a failed IVF attempt this summer and this cycle that was almost canceled due to poor response) and kindness. For this child we have prayed...</p><p>We are proud to introduce Tobias Porter Stevens. Born 8/8/17 at 2:38 am at a whopping 9lbs 11 oz, 22 inches!</p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1503523320143-5EH5FHH7QPJZI5ZPJYCQ/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kBtpJ0h6oTA_T7DonTC8zFdZw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZamWLI2zvYWH8K3-s_4yszcp2ryTI0HqTOaaUohrI8PIWkiAYz5ghgEgSGJuDQ4e1ZKXpRdhEMT7SgthRpD0vyIKMshLAGzx4R3EDFOm1kBS/IMG_4383-23-08-17-10-13.JPG" data-image-dimensions="960x960" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_4383-23-08-17-10-13.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="599df1f7d482e938f176c17b" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1503523320143-5EH5FHH7QPJZI5ZPJYCQ/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kBtpJ0h6oTA_T7DonTC8zFdZw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZamWLI2zvYWH8K3-s_4yszcp2ryTI0HqTOaaUohrI8PIWkiAYz5ghgEgSGJuDQ4e1ZKXpRdhEMT7SgthRpD0vyIKMshLAGzx4R3EDFOm1kBS/IMG_4383-23-08-17-10-13.JPG?format=1000w" />
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1503523336270-T13PKK132TFF9GT1T9TE/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kJK4Mm1kch8SFO9ZNkN1NT97gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QHyNOqBUUEtDDsRWrJLTmFk_H6M1tkD9NpL7mXac0oVSXdFfjxR5AjcLwGSebOiGBsFzzcw3xKxvyC_6CFFG_/IMG_4360-23-08-17-10-13.JPG" data-image-dimensions="1080x1080" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_4360-23-08-17-10-13.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="599df207914e6b96d26de735" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1503523336270-T13PKK132TFF9GT1T9TE/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kJK4Mm1kch8SFO9ZNkN1NT97gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QHyNOqBUUEtDDsRWrJLTmFk_H6M1tkD9NpL7mXac0oVSXdFfjxR5AjcLwGSebOiGBsFzzcw3xKxvyC_6CFFG_/IMG_4360-23-08-17-10-13.JPG?format=1000w" />
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1503523356415-A5U9MJV5N66N7932H5FE/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/image-23-08-17-10-10.jpeg" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="image-23-08-17-10-10.jpeg" data-load="false" data-image-id="599df2196a4963f0b3ead3d6" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1503523356415-A5U9MJV5N66N7932H5FE/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/image-23-08-17-10-10.jpeg?format=1000w" />
<p>*If anyone needs a listening ear as they are going through infertility or the IVF process please feel free to contact me. It can be a long road and sometimes having someone who understands is incredibly valuable! You can also comment here with any questions and I'll respond! &nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="mailto:megstvns@gmail.com">megstvns@gmail.com</a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/WM5hk4RElNI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>megan steven's birth storyhttps://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2017/8/23/megan-stevens-birth-storywe bought a house.HomeFamilyGina DavisTue, 08 Aug 2017 16:34:10 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/a1Q3engtork/we-bought-a-house55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:59892d4b17bffc269e4cd937<p>If you haven't noticed lately, I have not posted much these past few weeks because my family likes to do a lot major life events all at once. <strong>Nick and I just purchased our first home!!! </strong>This was a dream we never thought would be possible and a huge answer to prayer. &nbsp;We feel extremely blessed to have a home of our own that we can create memories in. We love hospitality and this home has a huge backyard where our kids and friends can have a blast.&nbsp;</p><p><em>So here is a run down of our craziness coming up:</em></p><p>pack... move...unpack...fly to Sacramento...host my sister Michelle's bridal shower...Calvin's 5th birthday...Michelle's bachelorette...Nick is in a wedding...my sister Bianca's bridal shower...Nick's 30th birthday...Max's 3rd birthday...our 7th year wedding anniversary...Michelle's wedding... Christmas...New Years'...... and then 2018 continues with the busyness. &nbsp;</p><p>Our life is packed with a lot of amazing life events but hey go big or go home! I will try to post updates on our house as we slowly update things and make it our own. It was built in '84 and has some basic updates but I can't wait to put my own touches on the place. First thing to go is the popcorn ceilings!!!&nbsp;</p><p>I will post much better quality pictures soon, these were just taken from one of our cards.&nbsp;</p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1502162226430-R5BWFEMTY8231E4AU9IO/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_4596.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_4596.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="59892d25cf81e0e201d6517e" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1502162226430-R5BWFEMTY8231E4AU9IO/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_4596.JPG?format=1000w" />
<p>Some pictures from our real estate card&nbsp;</p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1502209822596-Y4CXJ835WNKO47OIKNCI/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_4664.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_4664.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="5989e70017bffc79a0b6f93a" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1502209822596-Y4CXJ835WNKO47OIKNCI/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_4664.JPG?format=1000w" />
<p>the huge backyard is what sold us. </p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1502209967531-T1VO6A3UQOA41HTJ30XP/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_4666.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_4666.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="5989e77f2994ca06061dd7db" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1502209967531-T1VO6A3UQOA41HTJ30XP/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_4666.JPG?format=1000w" /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/a1Q3engtork" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>https://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2017/8/7/we-bought-a-housea love/hate relationship with breastfeedingTrialsMotherhoodBreastfeedingGina DavisFri, 21 Jul 2017 19:33:09 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/15ErAMsWrfU/a-lovehate-relationship-with-breastfeeding55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:597112117131a5731433893b<p>When I was pregnant with Calvin I never gave much thought as to how I would feed my baby besides taking one breastfeeding class at the hospital. I figured I would either nurse or give him a bottle and that was that. Fast forward to having 3 baby boys, two rounds of postpartum depression and having nursed all of them I am here to tell you my love /hate relationship with breastfeeding.</p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>The Love</strong></p><p>-Let's state the obvious, it is FREE!</p><p>-There are no bottles to wash. I can feed my baby without having to clean or prepare anything which makes those long days and nights super easy and convenient</p><p>-It helps you burn calories and lose baby weight faster</p><p>-I love the way I feel connected to my baby when I am nursing, it is a relaxing and there is a indescribable feeling you get &nbsp;once you both get the hang of it.</p><p>-You can go anywhere and have your baby's food supply on hand ;)</p><p>-Breastfeeding is an easy way to soothe a cranky baby and also is a sweet bonding time</p><p>-Once baby is 3 months old nursing sessions are super quick&nbsp;</p><p>-There are many nutritional benefits for mom and baby</p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>The Hate</strong></p><p>-All of my babies refused the bottle (minus Leo for a few weeks)</p><p>-I legitimately always wondered who would nurse my baby for me if I was to ever die</p><p>-I cannot be away from my baby too long if it is close to feeding time</p><p>-I need to think ahead of where and when you will nurse in public and find a cover that is not too hot for both you and baby</p><p>-I feel an overwhelming amount of pressure because my body literally is what keeps my baby alive</p><p>-No one else can feed my baby for me</p><p>-It is a lot of money to breastfeed believe it or not (nursing bras, nursing pads, pump parts, time)</p><p>-In the beginning nursing can take forever and also can leave you feeling engorged and in pain</p><p>-Every baby has to learn how to breastfeed and it does not come as naturally as you may think</p><p>-Weaning your baby from nursing can be hard, painful, and mentally exhausting</p><p>-You need to pump if you go on a date or if baby sleeps too long at night, because engorgement is the worst</p><p>Nursing did not come easy or naturally for me but it is something I am so thankful I have been able to experience with each of my 3 boys. I do often think about how nice it would be to not have to always think about breastfeeding or how my baby's feeding also effects my body. I can easily get jealous when I see a mom giving her baby a bottle in the store or at church and &nbsp;I have to find a place to sit and cover myself. But at the same time I love how my body is able to nourish my baby and although the responsibility can be much, I love how needed I am.</p><p>If I could do college all over again I would have loved to study to be a lactation consultant and help moms with their breastfeeding journey. My experience with breastfeeding has only been successful due to my families support, my lactation consultant, and all of the resources we have online. <strong>&nbsp;And since everyone's journey with breastfeeding is different, some happy, some sad, some difficult, I wanted to share some other mom's insights on breastfeeding. Here is some encouragement, advice, and stories from other moms whom I respect and love.</strong></p><figure >
<blockquote>
<span>&#147;</span>This is one aspect of your child’s health—yes, it’s an important aspect, and healthcare professionals are pretty solidly agreed that it’s incredibly beneficial to both you and your baby—but it IS only one aspect. Think of the long term goal—a healthy mother, a healthy child, a healthy marriage. Just because you don’t breastfeed doesn’t mean you’re going to raise a soda-swilling, Cheeto-munching indigent. Remember that you’re on a steep learning curve—trying to balance a healthy body and life for yourself, for your baby, and for your family—without any instructions or insight on how best to do that. Be mindful that the best thing to do isn’t always the easiest, but that the easiest thing to do may be the best thing for your situation.<br/><span>&#148;</span>
</blockquote>
<figcaption class="source">&mdash; Brooke V.</figcaption>
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<blockquote>
<span>&#147;</span>For most of my short time as a mom I carried so much guilt that breastfeeding didn’t work. It always felt like a troubleshooting game with tips, advice and even classes encouraging me to do/try/push harder than I currently was. I wish someone at the beginning of my journey just bluntly told me that it’s okay if breastfeeding doesn’t work out (instead of sharing the next thing I’d eventually try). It’s okay. Life will go on & you can still be a great mom if you pump or formula feed or partial breastfeed. I put far too much of an emphasis on what society is telling me that I need to do instead of reminding myself that God is good, this season is temporary, and feeding my son spiritually is far more important than physical food. Those truths still encourage me daily.<br/><span>&#148;</span>
</blockquote>
<figcaption class="source">&mdash; Steph M.</figcaption>
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<blockquote>
<span>&#147;</span>I had to keep setting timelines for myself like, “I’ll try to make it to 3 months, then 6 months. I felt obligated to stick with it since it was good for him, I was producing enough, and I was staying home and wanted to save the money. My least favorite part was the lack of flexibility, and most places you can’t just stop and breastfeed on demand so I never left home or was greatly bending over backwards trying to do it discreetly or hiding out in a bathroom stall. Eventually the introvert in me liked the opportunity to get away because of breastfeeding or pumping and it got easier until I was a little sad when I finally weaned him.<br/><span>&#148;</span>
</blockquote>
<figcaption class="source">&mdash; Anne G.</figcaption>
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<figure >
<blockquote>
<span>&#147;</span> I loved the way it helped me feel close with my babies. With my youngest I breastfeed 14 or 15 months and I just hated that I couldn’t sit down with her until after she was weaned or she would just expect to be fed, I hate that it’s exhausting! And now my boobs are deflated lol<br/><span>&#148;</span>
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<figcaption class="source">&mdash; Megan P.</figcaption>
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<figure >
<blockquote>
<span>&#147;</span>If you have to pump often, buy extra parts because washing and sanitizing them is a such a chore. I had 8 of each piece so I wasn’t obligated to wash all the time but did big batches every other day or so.<br/><span>&#148;</span>
</blockquote>
<figcaption class="source">&mdash; Taissa G.</figcaption>
</figure>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1500665301010-JX1DE2M7262W5OZK37OY/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_3428.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="Newborn nursing sessions make for the sweetest pictures" data-load="false" data-image-id="597255d2be659428d17637b3" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1500665301010-JX1DE2M7262W5OZK37OY/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_3428.JPG?format=1000w" />
<p>Newborn nursing sessions make for the sweetest pictures</p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1500665325636-CDMXU8C4C1AG3U221CDM/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kL-PDEV0kc4nkv6ZO74dbct7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UfdVC79UZfxPkMeg9HFyXpQQifYSi4HMBv5Z68sTGDeU_XaCZ2eR_PUwOvzfpR6u4g/IMG_3053.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2250x3000" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="back when leo would take a bottle from big brother max" data-load="false" data-image-id="597255eadb29d65efd89476c" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1500665325636-CDMXU8C4C1AG3U221CDM/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kL-PDEV0kc4nkv6ZO74dbct7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UfdVC79UZfxPkMeg9HFyXpQQifYSi4HMBv5Z68sTGDeU_XaCZ2eR_PUwOvzfpR6u4g/IMG_3053.JPG?format=1000w" />
<p>back when leo would take a bottle from big brother max</p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1500665367532-05SC9SAD6Z7QIY3086DE/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kDHPSfPanjkWqhH6pl6g5ph7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0mwONMR1ELp49Lyc52iWr5dNb1QJw9casjKdtTg1_-y4jz4ptJBmI9gQmbjSQnNGng/IMG_2668.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x1875" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="milk I donated 3 days after leo was born. in total I have donated over 300 oz to date" data-load="false" data-image-id="59725613d7bdcec54c80a866" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1500665367532-05SC9SAD6Z7QIY3086DE/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kDHPSfPanjkWqhH6pl6g5ph7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0mwONMR1ELp49Lyc52iWr5dNb1QJw9casjKdtTg1_-y4jz4ptJBmI9gQmbjSQnNGng/IMG_2668.JPG?format=1000w" />
<p>milk I donated 3 days after leo was born. in total I have donated over 300 oz to date</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/15ErAMsWrfU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>a love/hate relationship with breastfeedinghttps://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2017/7/20/a-lovehate-relationship-with-breastfeedingLeo- 4 Months OldkidsbabyPostpartum DepressionGina DavisFri, 14 Jul 2017 20:16:07 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/1UmJYmtHA98/leo-4-months-old55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:59692115f14aa1361c13e519<p>Leo is a completely different baby than he was a few weeks ago. He is going through so many developmental changes at one time and it incredible how fast he is growing. For once in my life I find myself saying "slow down" and don't want the baby stage to end. Believe it or not he is already scooting/crawling. He mainly uses his knees and throws himself forward to get whatever toy he has his eyes on. Calvin and Max were early crawlers and walkers but Leo is setting a whole new record. Leo is up for about 1.5 hours before needing a nap and goes down super easy. We sing him the Gloria Patri, turn on the sound machine, leave the room and he is out within 5 minutes. His reflux is getting better but is still present. The other two boys outgrew it around the 6/7 month mark so we shall see if he follows suit.&nbsp;</p><p>We have his 4 month check up in a few weeks and are anxious to see just how much he has grown. Leo is the perfect mix of Nick and I and we always comment on how thankful we are that he is part of our family.&nbsp;</p><p> </p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>Leo's 4 Month Old Stats</strong></p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>Weight: </strong>16.5 lbs (taken on home scale)</p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>Diapers:</strong> Size 3</p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>Clothes:</strong> 6-9 months</p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>Eats:</strong> Leo is nursing every 2-3 hours during the day and still refuses the bottle</p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>Sleep:</strong> 4 naps a day and sleeping through the night (most nights) He has been going down at 8:30 PM each night and we are hoping to put him down by 7:30 PM like his brothers in the next few weeks here.&nbsp;</p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>Likes: </strong>Scooting, toys, his brothers, bath time, music, and being worn in his Solly or Ergo</p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>Dislikes:</strong> being overtired, bottles, being on his back for too long, bright lights, his car seat, reflux, and loud sudden noises</p><p class="text-align-center"> </p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>Gina's 4 Month Postpartum Stats</strong></p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>Weight:&nbsp;</strong>4lbs away from my pre-pregnancy weight</p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>Sleep: &nbsp;</strong>I have been getting 6-8 hours of sleep a night</p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>Clothes:&nbsp;</strong>I fit into all of my old tops but still cannot button my old pants ;)</p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>Likes:&nbsp;</strong>I like when Leo goes down and sleeps through the night, La Croix lime, pedicures, walks alone at sunset, and sitting outside at night time with Nick</p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>Dislikes:&nbsp;</strong>daily anxiety, ants, Leo's blowouts, decision-making, grocery shopping and heat</p><p class="text-align-center">I am still on anxiety and postpartum depression medicine but am seeing my OB and a postpartum doctor in regards to switching brands since the one I am currently on is giving me awful vivid nightmares. We are going to see if we can start tampering me off of meds and are also going to talk about my raised anxiety. I know having 3 kids is a lot of work and many moms have anxiety from balancing it all but I trust that my providers will help me make a good plan of action. I am often asked how I am doing but it is hard to answer that question. &nbsp;I don't &nbsp;like the fact that I need to be on this medication but at the same time am thankful that it allows me to not go throuh dark days like I did with Calvin. God is showing me each day areas of life that I need to surrender to Him and has blessed me with so many encouraging friends who help me walk through the joys and trials of marriage and motherhood.</p>
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<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1500062977487-TTCTZHKHE26XAGNPF6VP/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kL-PDEV0kc4nkv6ZO74dbct7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UfdVC79UZfxPkMeg9HFyXpQQifYSi4HMBv5Z68sTGDeU_XaCZ2eR_PUwOvzfpR6u4g/IMG_3887.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2250x3000" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_3887.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="596924fb5016e1869f92dec9" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1500062977487-TTCTZHKHE26XAGNPF6VP/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kL-PDEV0kc4nkv6ZO74dbct7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UfdVC79UZfxPkMeg9HFyXpQQifYSi4HMBv5Z68sTGDeU_XaCZ2eR_PUwOvzfpR6u4g/IMG_3887.JPG?format=1000w" />
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1500062994948-1TIN7W8VLRUZYROZNYAS/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kJ9Vf5x0a7V4oPpXjx7dc1N7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UaX5h46DTa2zhpD2S4dCqlGPZmkhkBVHbtbQ1eKMXMLsDypYv5Z9qB9WFs-NjPCfmw/IMG_3734.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2320x3088" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_3734.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="59692510bf629ab5191a9bfb" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1500062994948-1TIN7W8VLRUZYROZNYAS/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kJ9Vf5x0a7V4oPpXjx7dc1N7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UaX5h46DTa2zhpD2S4dCqlGPZmkhkBVHbtbQ1eKMXMLsDypYv5Z9qB9WFs-NjPCfmw/IMG_3734.JPG?format=1000w" /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/1UmJYmtHA98" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>https://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2017/7/14/leo-4-months-oldan honest look at postpartum depression pt 2Postpartum DepressionMotherhoodBeautyGina DavisThu, 06 Jul 2017 21:59:54 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/awX6PLEYe-w/an-honest-look-at-postpartum-depression-pt-255555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:5951c8294c8b031b6d9a5f73<p>Postpartum depression, for me, has been such a hard thing to experience because it has caused me to be a slave to my thoughts and fears which I normally would not have. This fear, worry, and anxiety keeps me from doing what might bring me joy and often it keeps me from experiencing life that is right in front of me.&nbsp;</p><p>I recently went to a <a href="http://www.sollybaby.com">Solly Baby</a> event in San Diego with Leo and had a great time meeting new moms and hearing an inspirational talk on beauty and body image. &nbsp;Our Solly is our favorite baby carrier and I knew I needed a night out so when they advertised on Instagram they were having a local event with food, wine, a motivational talk, and girl time, I was all about it.</p><p>One of my friends from college who was there said something to me that really made in impact on my life with regards to postpartum depression and anxiety. We were catching up and she asked me how I was doing and I vented a little on how hard it is to get out of the house with 3 kids and how it is easy to just want to stay home all the time. She replied (ES), "but, look, you're doing it! You are here and that's what matters!" She didn't know it in that moment but that was exactly what I needed to here. Those few little words gave me validation that taking a night off for myself was okay and not a total failure.</p><p>A light bulb went off in my head in that moment. Yes, Leo screamed for half the drive down, yes, I had to pull over to nurse, yes, I was stuck in 30 min of traffic, and yes, I had spit-up down my new J. Crew top the entire night. BUT I was there! I wanted to get out and do something for myself and I did it. &nbsp;I usually say no to things that take a lot of effort because of the work required to actually make it happen and I am so glad that this time I made it a priority to get out and do something fun and different.</p><p>The night was filled with a room full of 100+ moms from all walks of life. Lindsay and Lexi from <a href="https://beautyredefined.org/">Beauty Redefined</a> talked to all of us about how we are "more than just a body. See more. Be more." I originally didn't think I would get much out of the talk but I was surprised with how much I took away from the night.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;I did a lot of people watching, like I usually do and tried to pray for those who looked like me, moms who can put a smile on but inside are battling with their own thoughts. These women were so inspirational to be around because many of them balance blogs, careers, and hobbies while simultaneously being a mom and wife.&nbsp;</p><p>If you or someone you know is struggling from postpartum depression and anxiety please talk to someone. The worst thing you can do is battle this awful illness alone and there is help out there. For me, getting out of the house and doing something for me made such a difference in my life. I felt, for a few hours, like I still had value in purpose in the world besides being a caretaker in my own home.&nbsp;With help from God, my family and medicine I have not been having as bad of symptoms as I did when I had Calvin and is a victory to be celebrated</p>
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<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1499377540250-20D229B26JRXG6AIR1ZU/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_3904.JPG" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="IMG_3904.JPG" data-load="false" data-image-id="595eaf8086e6c0dbc799dc21" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1499377540250-20D229B26JRXG6AIR1ZU/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/IMG_3904.JPG?format=1000w" /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/awX6PLEYe-w" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>an honest look at postpartum depression pt 2https://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2017/6/26/an-honest-look-at-postpartum-depression-pt-210 Mundane Things That Make My Husband the Best Dad!FamilyGina DavisFri, 16 Jun 2017 15:43:59 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~3/UkyDMo04K_Y/10-mundane-things-that-make-my-husband-the-best-dad55555c83e4b0342593f53792:55556231e4b04d5a2c4d763a:5942a6cae6f2e1c00eb633a2<p>When Nick and I began courting 8 years ago one thing that really drew me to him was how he was with his family and the future I saw with him as a dad one day. Nick has a great relationship with his sisters, mom, and his whole family and his kindness and love for them and for my own mom and sisters demonstrated to me the love he would show our future kids. 8 years and 3 kids later he has not let me down. So in honor of Father's Day, I wanted to share a few mundane things he does on a daily basis that I might sometimes overlook. All of these tasks have made our family and our kids grow for the better. Thanks be to God for giving me such a great and handsome ;) husband.</p><p><strong>1. Nick and the boys always wrestle right when he walks through the door. </strong>The boys know that wrestling is for just boys (I don't want them tackling a girl) and Nick and the boys love getting some energy out doing something in the boys club.</p><p><strong>2. Every day after dinner Nick bathes the boys and puts them to bed. </strong>Since I am a SAHM I often need a few minutes to myself to pick up the house and be in silence so bath and bedtime being his routine with the older boys have been such a help to me. It is also a way Nick gets to spend more time with the kids before bed (7:30 pm bedtime).&nbsp;</p><p><strong>3. He still pursues me and looks at me with love. </strong>Raising boys is a big responsibility and I love that Nick demonstrates how to love a woman by showing me such care. I hope our boys always remember how gentle he is with me and that through the good and bad him and I are always on the same team.</p><p><strong>4. I love how Nick genuinely loves others. </strong>Being a pastor means that you have a heart for others. I am always amazed how quickly he is able to help a friend, a neighbor, and even strangers. I might not tell him enough but this is something that is so attractive to me and a rare trait nowadays.</p><p><strong>5. I am so thankful for how Nick pays attention to the little things. </strong>Every morning he gets up with the two older boys until me and Leo wake. When I get to the kitchen he always has a cup of coffee waiting for me in my tumbler. It is not something he has to do but it shows me that he cares about the little things. (Thanks, babe!)</p><p><strong>6. Nick prays with the boys. </strong>Yes, I know he is a pastor and that is something you expect a pastor to do, pray. But I am thankful for the times I see him kneeling beside the boy's bunk beds and leading them in the Lord's Prayer or praying for the sick.</p><p><strong>7. Nick goes to work every day and juggles two jobs.</strong> This allows me to be a stay-at-home mom and I am thankful that he gets up every single day to support us and then comes home to spend time with his family.</p><p><strong>8. Parenting is a lot of work and is such a learning process.</strong> I am thankful that Nick and I are able to co-parent well and how he always asks me if we are both disciplining and training the boys the same way. Being on the same page is not only good for us but also for our kids who look up to us for guidance. and assurance.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>9. Nick brings Calvin to school every T/Th (or my mom whom is also a life-saver) before work. </strong>He knows how easily I can get overwhelmed in the mornings with my PPA (postpartum anxiety) so his willingness to help me out in this way has taken a huge burden off of my shoulders.</p><p><strong>10. This may seem obvious but Nick never shows our kids lack of love. </strong>He is always telling them how much he loves them and genuinely enjoys our kids (when they aren't testing our patience).</p><p>Most days I do not say thank you enough to him but since I know he will probably read and edit this post for me, I wanted to make sure he know he is LOVED and APPRECIATED. Be sure to tell your significant other how much you appreciate them for the little and the small things. I know it makes a world of a difference to me when I am shown appreciation and the same goes for Nick.&nbsp;</p><p><strong><em>Happy Father's Day to all the dads and grandparents out there!</em></strong></p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1497558007780-5C1B4SW266ENUAF657RA/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kCKTt8a7LIDpOpilsEC_saVZw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZUJFbgE-7XRK3dMEBRBhUpxFQeYc9AMcCGY71BmvEdhAIaaLAyxFvKUn9AKlVkDbDFq7WtuuMv1RCPXSlNxNJhc/image-asset.jpeg" data-image-dimensions="640x426" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="" data-load="false" data-image-id="5942ebf7db29d6b81900de16" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1497558007780-5C1B4SW266ENUAF657RA/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kCKTt8a7LIDpOpilsEC_saVZw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZUJFbgE-7XRK3dMEBRBhUpxFQeYc9AMcCGY71BmvEdhAIaaLAyxFvKUn9AKlVkDbDFq7WtuuMv1RCPXSlNxNJhc/image-asset.jpeg?format=1000w" />
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1497558071664-8VNVH5BZOCMYE086N2IL/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/image-asset.jpeg" data-image-dimensions="2500x3333" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="3 Generations of Davis men.&amp;nbsp;" data-load="false" data-image-id="5942ec2fa5790a974aa28ca3" data-type="image" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55555c83e4b0342593f53792/1497558071664-8VNVH5BZOCMYE086N2IL/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK60W-ob1oA2Fm-j4E_9NQB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0kD6Ec8Uq9YczfrzwR7e2Mh5VMMOxnTbph8FXiclivDQnof69TlCeE0rAhj6HUpXkw/image-asset.jpeg?format=1000w" />
<p>3 Generations of Davis men.&nbsp;</p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BabyBlueMom/~4/UkyDMo04K_Y" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>10 Mundane Things That Make My Husband the Best Dad!https://babybluemom.com/the-blog/2017/6/15/10-mundane-things-that-make-my-husband-the-best-dad